El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world.
Built at the end of the 16th century, by command of King Phillip II, on a plan in the form of a grill, the instrument of the martyrdom of St Lawrence.
Whilst staying with my friend Graeme, we planned a visit, his partner Pilar said that it is best viewed from the air to comprehend the scale of the undertaking, originally completed in only 20 years.
Graeme pointed out it could be viewed from above on foot from Monte Abantos that stands at 1753M ASL above El Escorial.
The next morning, somewhat hungover and giddy, the two of us hastily packed day packs to walk to El Escorial via Abantos.Despite over 80 years of mountain walking experience between us we packed not enough fluids or food for a serious walk.Very early on we took a wrong turn and doubled the length of our walk, which eventually took over 6 hours, going from overcast to blazing heat as we ran out of water and food and seriously dehydrated ourselves in my pursuit of a view of El Escorial.
The view looking down on El Escorial was spectacular and worth the discomfort.
An hours descent left us rehydrating in several bars enroute to the Monastry, only to miss the site actually being open to the public.
We explored around the outside of the monastery and it’s huge plaza ad I have promised to go back, at a sensible time with Pilar, an art historian, showing me the glories that are inside the magnificent buildings.
